Endless Sacrifice

Chapter 9

Oliver's parents came into their front yard the moment they saw us appear. They were confused by our unexpected visit but also excited to see Eliza. Oliver's mother Evelyn kissed both my cheeks as she pulled Eliza from my arms. Jeremiah hugged his son and wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we walked towards the house. Iris walked slowly behind us, she stared skeptically at the house, her new home.

Evelyn sat down on her couch, Eliza was wide awake now and staring up lovingly at her grandmother. I smiled as I sat beside them, I was afraid of telling them the truth about everything. I was worried about frightening them. They lived a very quiet and modest life, I knew the reality of this war must have been overwhelming for them. Evelyn patted my leg, knowing already that something was going on, that's what her maternal instinct was telling her.

"This is a nice surprise kids, is everything alright?"

I looked to Oliver and he sat across from his mother on an armchair. He sighed and ran his hands across the leg of his pants, he was nervous about confiding in them too.

"Well Mum, we're hoping we could all stay here awhile."

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise, Jeremiah sat on the armrest beside her, quickly becoming concerned for us. "Of course dear." Evelyn declared unhesitatingly. "But where's your luggage or incidentals for Eliza?"

"We'll have to buy all of that, we can't go back to our apartment."

"What on earth are you talking about son?" Jeremiah asked worriedly.

Oliver looked to me now, knowing only I could explain it best to them. I nodded and fidgeted with my wedding ring as I attempted to explain what was happening.

"This will be hard to grasp all at once but, I was born telepathic. It's not something I divulge to just anyone and during a war like this, you can understand why. I know Oliver told you that my parents died when I was very young but they were actually murdered by You-Know-Who himself. My mother was telepathic too and so is Eliza. They are trying to find me, they are after my ability to use for their advantage. They've even gone as far as poisoning Eliza to get my attention, perhaps it was meant for me or Oliver. She is healed now but we just left the hospital and know it would be unwise to return home."

"What kind of sick animals would poison an innocent baby?" Evelyn screeched as she held Eliza closer to her chest.

"It's impossible for me to understand too. I hate to inconvenience and endanger you too but we have nowhere else to go right now."

"Yes, yes of course dears. You will all stay here as long as you need."

"Thanks Mum, seriously. Thanks Dad."

"No need to thank us sweetheart, we wouldn't have it any other way."

I smiled gratefully and Evelyn squeezed my leg before I stood up from the couch and walked out the front door towards the yard surrounding the house. I held up my wand to cast some protective enchantments.

"Salvio Hexia. Protego Totalum." I whispered repeatedly.

Watching the translucent force field surround Oliver's home seemed to soothe me. I was thankful there were some ways I could protect my family.

"Need some help?" Oliver asked quietly.

I turned towards Oliver and smiled, he pulled his wand from his pocket and raised it to assist me.

"Protego Totalum. Salvio--"

"I am going to confront the Death Eaters." I blurted.

Oliver dropped his hand to his side and turned sharply towards me. He thought I was completely insane. "Absolutely not Mel, there is no way in hell I will let you do that."